Editorial: Enjoy the beauty and stay safe

It’s what folks across Cleveland County have been doing for nearly a week as forecasters warned that a big one was in the making. A big snow, that is — topped with ice. Yuck!

When will it start?

Seen anything yet?

How much will we get?

Questions on all lips with answers , some at least, starting yesterday and continuing today.

If the forecasts proved correct, you’re peeking out your window to a winter wonderland scene — a snow-covered landscape with more coming down.

Two inches? Four inches? Six?

Stay home, emergency officials say. Please do, we encourage, if at all possible. For those who can’t, take extra care to drive safely and be prepared for any problems you might experience. A full tank of gas. A blanket in the trunk. Your cellphone fully charged.

To the law enforcement officers, road and power crews, emergency and health-care workers — everyone who stands ready to help and care for the rest of us — here’s a word of appreciation for all you do and the risks you take. Thanks!

Thanks to your families, too, for the extra worries they have when you are out helping others while they take care of things at home.

As the grownups cope with problems brought on by the weather, we’d be amiss if we didn’t acknowledge the joy that fills all youngsters’ hearts when word goes out that schools will be closed.

Snowmen.

Sledding.

Slip-sliding fun!

Does life get any better when you are young and your mind is free to experience the rarity of a big snowfall in Gaston?

Take time to watch the kids — and to enjoy the thrill they find in this snowfall. Like the covering of flakes, childhood doesn’t last long. Don’t miss it.

As we prepare today’s Star for your reading pleasure, our fingers are crossed that what promises to be a snow to remember will not be remembered for power outages and tragedy on the roads. In the interest of our readers’ safety and need to be informed during this event, we have opened our website www.ShelbyStar.com for unlimited views while the storm lasts.

The waiting is over. The big snow of February 2014 has begun.

The watching continues, however, and soon we all will no longer wonder just how much of this precipitation we will get.